Nissan's iconic Z sports cars return for 2011 with only minor changes after a complete redesign just two years ago, the automaker says.

The lineup for the new model year comprises the 370Z Coupe, 370Z Roadster and Nismo 370Z, and all three are already on sale at Nissan dealerships.

Coupe models begin with the base version with a six-speed manual transmission for $30,610 (plus $750 freight). With a seven-speed automatic, the base Coupe is $31,910.

The Coupe Touring models are $35,280 with the six-speed manual and $36,580 with the seven-speed automatic.

Convertibles are a bit higher priced, but lots more fun.

They start at $37,520 (plus freight) for the base Roadster with the manual gearbox and $38,820 with the automatic.

The Touring Roadster models are $41,070 with the manual transmission and $42,370 with the automatic.

At the top of the line is the Nismo Coupe, which lists for $39,990 (plus freight). Nissan calls the Nismo “a tuner Z-enthusiast's dream” and says it's the most powerful production version of the Z-car ever produced.

It comes with a 350-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine, six-speed manual transmission, “racing-inspired” styling inside and out, a special suspension and super-lightweight forged alloy wheels. For 2011, the only change is the new Gun Metallic exterior color. No automatic transmission is offered, and there is no convertible Nismo version.

Other features of the Nismo include an “H-configured” exhaust system design, muffler tuning and special engine control module. The close-ratio transmission comes with Nissan's SynchroRev Match, which “allows rev-matched heel-toe-like downshifting,” the automaker said.

Nismo models also have a unique four-wheel independent suspension, Nismo-branded strut tower braces to make the body more rigid and two performance dampers to help control road vibration and to make the car more stable in turns. Included in the suspension are special springs and stabilizer bars.

Also part of the Nismo package are five-spoke, 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels and Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high performance tires, along with sport brakes and a viscous limited-slip differential.

There are special body features for the Nismo, too, including an extended nose, chin spoiler, special side sills, unique rear bumper and a rear spoiler.

Inside, there are Nismo logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a special tachometer, a steering wheel with smooth leather and red stitching, a leather-wrapped shift knob, aluminum-trimmed pedals and a plaque displaying each car's serial number and model year.

The regular Coupe and Roadster models come with a 332-horsepower version of the 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The automatic transmission has paddles for manual shifting without having to use a clutch.

Inside, the car has been designed for comfort as well as performance, which can be a difficult mix. The cockpit includes bucket seats, what Nissan calls a “deeply scooped” instrument panel and a center console separating the driver and passenger.

The hatchback design of the coupe allows for an open cargo area behind the seats with easy access. A retractable cargo cover is standard on the Touring model, and a locking glove box is included on all models.

Among standard interior features are woven cloth seats with an eight-way manual adjustment for the driver and four-way for the passenger. Heated leather seats with four-way power adjustments are included on the Touring model. Also standard are adjustable front active head restraints.

Other standard amenities on the regular models include the Intelligent Key with push-button start, power windows with one-touch up or down, power door locks with auto-lock feature, automatic climate control, a rear-window defroster with timer, two 12-volt power outlets, four cup holders, two overhead map lights, and an AM/FM/compact-disc audio system with four speakers and illuminated steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Extras with the Touring model also include a Bose audio system with a six-disc CD changer, eight speakers (with dual subwoofers) and MP3 playback; XM satellite radio; a Bluetooth hands-free phone system; and a universal garage/gate opener.

Safety features include four-wheel antilock disc brakes, seat-mounted side air bags, roof-mounted side-curtain air bags, electronic stability control, a security system and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

G. Chambers Williams III has been automotive columnist for the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at (210) 250-3236; chambers@express-news.net.